Last year we started the tradition (doing it the second time makes it a tradition, right?) of hiding the Baby Jesus from the nativity sets I have around the house and having the children find them, bringing them back to the Nativity set.Â
Then the children listen to Grandpa “read†the Luke 2 Christmas story.Â
I say read in quotes because no one can paraphrase a story quite like grandpa, complete with mis-information to make sure the little ones are listening and they always are, happily correcting him!
This year Grandpa was helping set up the nativity sets and didn’t realize this one didn’t have a baby at all. Â
Having a Nativity set without a Baby Jesus would be a good reminder for us, we thought, of what the world might be like if Jesus had never come. We left it up. Â
That evening as we celebrated an early Christmas, we challenged the grandchildren think about it.Â
Their faces were sober.
One of them pronounced it “Bad.† Â
Seemingly unable to bear the thought,
6 ½ year old Ella
grabbed one of Grandpa’s hats
loudly proclaiming
“I think it would be great if a cowgirl
 walked came into the room.â€
And soon everyone had joined in the fun.
At first I thought,
“Hey. . .This is serious stuff, kiddos.”
And then I smiled:
They believe.
Without  hesitation they
accept the Story of God
entering into our world.
Immanuel, Â God with us.
And I prayed they would always believe the importance of HisStory and why He came.Â
 *******
P.S.  When Grandpa read the story, he “read†there were Cowboys watching their cattle  by night. . . . . Busted!
Joining a little late with
Lisha Epperson, GiveMeGrace community
& Beth Hess with  Unforced Rhythms
Carol,
Thank you so much for introducing yourself over at my blog. I read your about story and I was touched, challenged and encouraged by your testimony of working through much grief and loss and your conclusion about how God delights in you.
What a wonderful glimpse into your life with your hubby of 45 years (Wow…Congrats!) and your grandchildren…tender and grace and laughter-filled 🙂 Thanks 🙂
Thank you for Visiting here Dolly.
The journey to Knowing God’s love and delight has been a long one – and sometimes I forget still. I think it is a winding road much of the time, but so worth the trip.
Blessings on your day
So very GOOD to see you again, dear friend. And to see your very animated tribe in action!
God is so good …
May your advent season sparkle with His love and favor.
Good morning Linda…at least it’s morning here in POrtland, OR where we are with 4 other grands. I’ve been kind of quiet on line, but doing lots of processing of life and faith. In a good, but kind of difficult place. (I still have an email to answer or two 🙂
thanks for visiting.